​In 1935ish, the “Presbyterian Women” of Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church held a turkey dinner fundraiser, sometime in November. It was a great success and they decided to continue it the following year. But it soon became clear that late Fall was a tricky, holiday-geared time for busy folks, so the event moved to February, to fall between Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. The move compelled a shift in comfort food, now including pink ham for Valentine’s Day, a cherry-laden nod to George Washington, and, deliciously but inexplicably, Swedish meatballs. For over 80 years, the meal has continued, cooked with the same recipes and served on the same dishes. Perhaps its longevity can be partially attributed to its successful shift to deep winter: just when we begin to feel weary of the cold, here comes the warm, cheesy, saucy meal with neighbors and friends new and old, topped off with cheerful cherry pie.

Ham & Cherry Pie Dinner today...

Today the Ham & Cherry Pie Dinner is a congregation-wide event. Children work alongside adults, pitching in, and friends of the congregation or groups we're connected with, like the Girl Scouts and Iglesia Fuego Pentecostes also join in making it happen!

For most of its life, the Ham & Cherry Pie dinner has served as a fundraiser for local community charities and organizations. In recent years, as the congregation has shifted to dedicating 10% of all our income (around $16,000) per year to organizations making a difference in our community and the world, the Ham & Cherry Pie Dinner has become a fundraiser ​for the ministry and life of the congregation itself.As generations carry on this quirky and tasty tradition set out by those gone before, it is fitting that this meal now helps this congregation continue in its 97th year to be a “beacon of hope and a place of sanctuary” in the community.